Who is she?

Michelle Kwan is an American figure skater.

What did she do?

Kwan has won two Olympic medals, silver in the 1998 Nagano, Japan games and bronze in the 2002 salt Lake City to games in Utah. Despite her lack of gold medals, Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in US history. She is a five-time World Champion and a nine-time US Champion and is widely believed to be the greatest figure skater of all time.

At her peak from 1997 to 2005, Kwan was the U.S. Figure Skating Association’s top paid skater in appearance fees and prize money and was the Winter Olympics’ most highly endorsed athlete. She retired in 2006 to become a political strategist. She was named the country's first ever Public Diplomacy Envoy for the U.S. State Department and travels the world speaking to youth about American culture, and about her life lessons. She is the author of two books and is a board member for the Special Olympics.

Why does she matter?

Michelle Kwan is one of the world's most beloved athletes. She has been gracious in both success and in defeat and has epitomized good sportsmanship. She is a role model for all aspiring skaters, particularly those of Asian descent. She speaks to the youth about the impact playing sports has on your potential for a successful future.